PANORAMA

Panorama is a new practice launching in 2009 by Nicolás Valdés and Constanza Hagemann. They have both returned to Santiago from London following periods of working on large scale projects (Nicolás at KPF) and further studies (Constanza at the AA's DRL). Their ambition is to now bring research-based practice, along with a knowledge of large projects, to urban and public projects in South America. Their HQ is a Japanese-inspired Carlos Alberto Cruz house in El Golf.








A previous project with FG Arquitectos

PLATAFORMA URBANA / PLATAFORMA ARQUITECTURA / ARCHDAILY

Plataforma Urbana was launched in November 2005 as a forum to discuss urban issues. This was followed in February 2006 with Plataforma Arquitectura, now the most popular Spanish-language website about architecture. An English version, Archdaily, was launched in February 2008 and is now in the top 5 most visited architecture websites. The websites are open to contributions internationally and also publish international competitions and interviews. Founders David Assael & David Basulto will be taking part in Storefront's LA edition of Postopolis.
David Basulto (left) and David Assael

The web HQ

0300TV

0300TV was launched by Sebastián Paredes (24), Diego Grass (24) and Felipe De Ferrari (25), three current students at the Universidad Catolica de Chile. It started with short films made on digital cameras while exchange students in Barcelona. They aim to show a more real depiction of architectural projects internationally than is possible in photography and magazine formats. They intitiate all their own content including a critque on public space in Chile and upcoming specials on Japanese and Chinese architects.
Diego Grass (above) and Sebastián Paredes

MORE SMILJAN RADIC

A visit to twin houses by Smiljan Radic with Patricio Mardones and Argentinian architect Sebastian Adamo. The houses were designed for two brothers. The forms are mirrored, but the internal plans are configured differently.

CO-OP

CO-OP (website launching soon) was established in 2008 by Nicolas Rebollado, Fernando Portal and Arturo Torres as a 'community of practice' with the belief in collective intelligence and not singular authorship. CO-OP consists of about 20 people in 3 departments (communications, web design/editorial, architecture) and their work ranges from built projects to art installations and annual reports.
Fernando Portal (above) and Nicolas Rebollado...
The architecture team...
The communications room...
Nicolas' band, The Co...
CO-OP was established as the next generation of URO1.org - a political architecture collective that ran from 1998 to 2008. URO1.org saw their work as part of the cultural transformation after the dictatorship to create public debate about social relations. The early Nautilus Project project (2000) featured an actress installed in a glass box in central Santiago - attracting strong media and public interest. M7 (2004) was a house constructed out of 71 sheets of plywood in 9 days. Both projects took place while the protagonists were still studying. In 2006 URO1.org was invited to guest edit the polish architecture magazine Arctura to present what they saw as the new wave of Chilean architects.
Nautilus Project (above) and M7
Archiecture magazine,February 2006...

CRISTOBAL PALMA

Patricio Mardones, ARQ, and Cristobal Palma, a photographer that has been documenting the work of the best new architects in Chile, meet me for lunch in El Giratorio (Santiago's very own revolving restaurant).

OCHO AL CUBO

Ocho al Cubo is a new development in a gated golfing community near Maitencillo. The developer selected 8 Chilean and international architects (and growing... Toyo Ito is now constructing one of the last houses). Photos: Jaffer.

Architects include Smiljan Radic...
Cristián Valdés...
Cecilia Puga... (Interior photos by Cristobal Palma)
Teodoro Fernandez...
Sebastian Irarrazaval...

And Toyo Ito's new addition...
Site map (Toyo Ito's house is being added bottom right)

SMILJAN RADIC: CASA PITE

Smiljan is considered one of the most interesting architects working in Chile, and Casa Pite one of his finest houses. Antonia Peon-Veiga, the chica of the house and Parsons lighting design student, took us on a tour of the main house and guest house. Photos by Jaffer Kolb.